Playing It Straight(01 of11)
Open Image ModalIt all seemed like a bit of a laugh at the time, but in hindsight, a reality series based entirely around whether you can guess if a group of men are gay or straight is guilty of perpetuating stereotypes at best and outright homophobic at worst.
The show ran for one series in 2005 with June Sarpong, only to be revived a full seven years later, this time with Jameela Jamil at the helm. (credit:Channel 4)
There's Something About Miriam(02 of11)
Open Image ModalOf course, that's nothing compared to Sky's There's Something About Miriam, during which the titular Miriam chose a match from a variety of suitors, only to drop the bombshell at the end that she is transgender.
The men in question played along on camera, but prior to the series' airdate, they collectively tried to sue Sky, alleging conspiracy to commit sexual assault, defamation, breach of contract, and personal injury in the form of psychological and emotional damage.
Wow.
In 2019, it was announced that the show's star Miriam Rivera had died at the age of 38. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
I Wanna Marry Harry(03 of11)
Open Image ModalThe premise of this completely ridiculous show was that a group of women were flown to the UK, where they competed for the affections of a man they were led to believe was Prince Harry.
As you can see, the man in question was not Prince Harry, but a rather dubious lookalike. As the contestants figured out fairly quickly.
Eventual winner Kimberly Birch later hit out at the show, claiming the girls were manipulated into thinking they were just being paranoid when they voiced their doubts to producers, who even went as far as urging them to speak to a fake therapist for reassurance.
Surprisingly dark, for a seemingly frivolous dating show based around the fact that "marry" rhymes with "Harry". (credit:Fox)
Baggage(04 of11)
Open Image ModalA dating show (for some reason hosted by Gok Wan) that revolved around contestants putting their worst foot forward, by exposing their most annoying habits and airing their dirty laundry on national television.
We can't think why this didn't work as a format, tbh. (credit:Channel 4)
The X Effect(05 of11)
Open Image ModalThe premise of this bizarre American show is that a couple would be treated to a luxury weekend for two. The only downside? You have to spend it with your ex, rather than your current partner.
At the end of the show, both halves of the pair choose whether to stick with their current partner or return to their ex.
Brutal... but yes, we probably would tune in if they made a British version. (credit:MTV)
Man O Man(06 of11)
Open Image ModalThis '90s show gave the female contestants all the power.
In each round, the women would be presented with a line-up of men, and if they didn't like what they saw... they pushed them in a swimming pool behind them.
A simple – but no doubt satisfying – format. (credit:ITV)
The Cougar(07 of11)
Open Image ModalExactly what it sounds like, but what was particularly special about this was show was the way the eponymous cougar would whittle down her suitors.
The "Kiss-Off" would see Stacey Anderson, the cougar in question, kiss a hopeful either on the lips or cheek, depending on whether she wanted him to stay or go.
Biblical. (credit:TV Land)
Married By America(08 of11)
Open Image ModalSort of a Married At First Sight-meets-American Idol affair, viewers at home paired up the couples, who then immediately became engaged, via a public vote.
They then moved to a ranch for a three-week period, where they were eliminated one by one. Eventually, none of the couples chose to follow through with their engagement and actually tie the knot, rendering the whole thing totally pointless.
Money well spent. (credit:Channel 4)
The Littlest Groom(09 of11)
Open Image ModalAfter just two episodes, and a whoooole lot of negative reaction from viewers, The Littlest Groom - which centred on 4'5" Glen Foster's quest for love - was cancelled in 2004. (credit:Fox)
Chains Of Love(10 of11)
Open Image ModalAs the title suggests, this show revolved around one "Picker", who found themselves chained to four prospective dates for four straight days (all at the same time) while cameras filmed their every move.
Each night, the "Picker" would cut one perspective date until only one was left, with whom they would then share a hefty cash prize. (credit:Endemol)
The Ultimate Merger(11 of11)
Open Image ModalA show that saw Apprentice US star Omarosa on the lookout for The One. To help her is everyone's favourite matchmaker, Donald Trump, who helped choose her initial shortlist.
Because who would you want playing Cupid more than the always-tasteful Mr Rational himself, Donald J Trump?
Frankly, we're surprised he even bothered pursuing the presidency, when he'd have so obviously nailed a matchmaking career. (credit:Mike Coppola via Getty Images)